The Expert Expert Witness: More Maxims and Guidelines for Testifying in Court [Paperback]

Stanley L. Brodsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1999

In this practical and entertaining book for forensic psychologists, St anley L. Brodsky, a leading teacher, scholar, and expert witness, describes court work and the legal context in a yarn-spinning style that is friendly, informal, and more explanatory than adversarial, bringing gentleness and humor to a potentially combative arena. Brief topic-foc used chapters, each summed up with a maxim, teach readers a great deal about the typical ploys and techniques used by attorneys to draw out information, either supportive or contradictory. In addition to offering principles, lessons, and maxims, this volume addresses specific questions, challenging testimony, and worst-case scenarios, many posed by people who have contacted the author about their own courtroom snafus . While clearly recognizing the gravity of the expert witness role and of the oath of honesty, Brodsky emphasizes the exhilarating intellect ual and professional challenge involved in mastering the courtroom setting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA) (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557985979
• ISBN-13: 978-1557985972
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Law > Perspectives on Law > Judicial System
  • #9 in Books > Law > Procedures & Litigation > Witnesses
  • #34 in Books > Law > Procedures & Litigation > Courts

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and invaluable tool, May 18, 2001

By 

MD (Durham, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Expert Expert Witness: More Maxims and Guidelines for Testifying in Court (Paperback)

The Expert Expert Witness by Dr. Stan Brodsky is a powerful and invaluable tool, for novice and expert experts alike. Dr. Brodsky's writing is extremely engaging, witty, and articulate, yet the text's informal style does not minimize the importance of testifying as a professional. This book differs from other expert witness books in that it emphasizes professional competency, preparedness, and responsibility, in the context of personal integrity. The book clearly explains legal rulings applicable to expert testimony, integrated with Dr. Brodsky's vast experiential knowledge. I highly recommend that the Expert Expert Witness become a permanent part of your personal and professional library!

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not that helpful, March 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Expert Expert Witness: More Maxims and Guidelines for Testifying in Court (Paperback)

While this book offers some theory and concept, there is not much hands-on practical information. I searched a variety of books to assist me, a mental health professional, to be more effective in court. I read this, then Ceci's book, then someone recommended Stern's book on Preparing and Presenting Expert Testimony. That was far and away the best.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom in a Book, April 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Expert Expert Witness: More Maxims and Guidelines for Testifying in Court (Paperback)

This book on expert witnessing contains 43 brief chapters and is packed with practical advice for the nervous practitioner. It is a terrific guide for the courtroom, because it tells you exactly how to deal with unexpected or aggressive courtroom questioning and to emerge with your dignity and nerves intact. The book is well written, succinct, and left me smiling. The author knows exactly how to engage the reader and to educate at the same time. There's no pomposity or overly explicative stuff here, just clearly-stated strategies that will take the edge off a potentially nervewracking experience. I've tried some of the strategies in the courtroom - and they work.